[T/N] I apologize for grammar mistakes and incoherencies
Chapter 10: Tears of A Person Who is Far Away
“Phii Oat...are you crying?”
This question echoed in Mister-Channon's mind as he heard clearly how much the person on the other end was trembling with anger, and then it went silent...Even now as he repeated the question in disbelief, the other party still didn't answer, only the sound of deep breaths confirmed...Phii Oat was crying.
The thought made the young man freeze, because he could guess what crazy thing had happened.
“Phii Oat...I'm safe...I'm still here.”
Rarely did he use this tone to speak to his boyfriend, but Shin knew it wasn't the time for games. The previous words had answered the smart question well enough as to why Phii Oat was angry, why he was crying, why he wouldn't say anything except to adjust his breathing.
His Phii Oat thought something happened to him because of that earthquake.
That alone answered why the other was so worried, and Shin wasn't angry at all for being yelled at, because the moment he realized, was the moment he understood.
Months ago when he couldn't contact Phii Oat, Shin himself had thought...what if Phii Oat had an accident? What if Phii Oat died without him knowing...Just the thought made his heart almost unbearable, to the point he wanted to find him, return to Thailand. So now, the mixed-race young man didn't think to get back at the other by retorting, “So you understand me now, huh?”
It wasn't the time for that.
Caring isn't something to be taken lightly or joked about.
[I...care about you.]
The person on this side could hear heavy breathing, imagining just how upset the other party must be. A soothing voice then comforted:
“I'm here, Phii Oat, I'm fine. Nothing happened to me. Sorry I didn't answer your calls.”
However, didn't intentionally turn off his phone or make the other person worry. The thing is, he had just returned to Tokyo two hours ago, and his phone battery died. He didn't have a charger with him, so he couldn't contact anyone. The first call he saw when he borrowed a charger from a friend an hour ago was from Phii Oat.
The young man knew that since he turned off his phone, many must have called until the phone almost burned, but now he had to explain to this person first:
“Yesterday, after hanging up with you, my friend who shares the same advisor called to invite me to a seminar, and there was a topic I was interested in. So, this morning I left Tokyo on the first Shinkansen to make it in time. That's why I didn't contact you, and I just got back two hours ago, sleeping all the way. But before reaching Tokyo, the train service stopped because of an earthquake...I only found out then. Now, I can't even get back to my room, so I'm staying at a friend's place for now.”
The speaker explained everything as clearly as possible, to reassure that he was safe.
“Sorry, Phii Oat...I should've brought a spare battery.”
This caused the person in Thailand to sigh heavily, followed by the sound of someone lying down on a bed, making the mattress move.
“Phii Oat...I'm sorry.”
Shin said again because the other side hadn't responded yet, then he heard a deep voice, briefly saying:
[I'm sorry for yelling at you.]
“It's okay, but are you relieved now?”
[Not yet.]
The person here chuckled lightly, waving to the friend who owned the room to signal nothing was wrong, then turned back to focus on the phone, which was charging. He knew this time he'd have to make amends...after the last time when Phii Oat was on the receiving end of his retaliation.
[I was worried sick about you.]
“I'm really safe now, it was just a small earthquake.”
[That's it! Do you know how I felt when I found out what happened...how I felt...I even thought, if something happened to you...what would I do, could I get a flight ticket immediately, feeling like a madman who didn't know what to do first, and then I realized I had no way to contact you except through this number, and you didn't tell me where you were going, what you were doing, just left me here waiting for news from your house…]
“Wait, are you at my place?”
The listener asked back, eyes widening a bit.
[Um...I called to ask my mom.]
Shin smiled, shaking his head slowly because he thought his mom would understand the situation better than the overly serious person, but even having his mom comfort him didn't cool him down. He didn't think of being angry with someone who lost their cool, because this expression from Phii Oat simply meant...he loved him.
Loved him so much he'd rush to his mom.
“Should we turn on the camera, Phii Oat?”
[...]
“So you can be sure I'm safe.” Sometimes hearing a voice isn't the same as seeing a face, and that made Shin turn on the camera, only to find the other side...with red eyes.
The handsome senior-hazer lying on his bed with red eyes looked funny, but he couldn't laugh. He wanted to reach out to wipe those tears, gently rub his eyes, and reassure him that he was fine. He was still okay, but since he couldn't, he sent a wide smile to confirm. Not a challenging or mischievous smile, just a smile...just to say he was safe.
“See? I'm strong and well, you're the one who looks worse than me...you look worn out.”
Swift.
“Phii Oat.”
Suddenly, the screen turned black, making Shin call out, thinking there was an issue with the camera, but upon looking, his side was still fine. Only Phii Oat's side was black, which, upon closer inspection, turned out to be...hair.
The larger man was pressing the phone against his forehead, so the front camera only captured his dark hair, whispering,
[Thank you for being safe.]
Thud.
It was just a short sentence, but it made the listener's heart beat fast, feeling like a lump, the flesh in his chest swelling and then constricting intensely, when the concern of one man was being conveyed to him, the person who knew how much he was loved, the one who worried about him to the point of following him home.
That serious man who shed tears for Shin.
Now, if Shin were beside him, he would want to reach out to hug him, to pat his shoulder, to whisper in his ear that it's okay. But with a screen between them, all he could do was to touch his finger to the screen, as if he could feel the person who was in another country.
“Thank you for caring about me, Phii.”
The young man whispered, not playful like usual, because this concern was too valuable to jest about. Then he made a promise he thought he could keep:
“I won't let my battery die like this again, Phii. You can reach me anytime, okay?”
Phii Oat looked up at the screen again, their eyes meeting, and then...
[Tell me when you go somewhere.]
There it was, just as I thought.
The listener almost laughed, but he just smiled and spoke in a soft voice, as if soothing a three-year-old child:
“You don't need to worry about me now, it's late. Go to sleep. You have work tomorrow, don't you? ...I'll also call home; by now they must be frantically looking for me.” Shin didn't promise something he thought he couldn't do. He wasn't the type to report every action, where he was, or with whom, because he disliked staying still. The idea of having to think about informing before doing something wasn't him at all.
“If it's something important, I'll let you know.”
That was the extent of what he could do, to which Phii Oat sighed.
[Better than nothing.]
The listener laughed, just as his phone vibrated indicating an incoming call, and Shin glanced at it, knowing it was probably someone from home.
“Phii Oat, I'll call you when I get back to the room tomorrow, okay?”
“Mm, I'm going to hang up now.”
“Heh, not like a head-hazer at all. When I get back to Thailand, let me take care of you...For now, I'll call to tell my brother and mom that I'm fine, otherwise they'll be worrying and looking for me again.”
Shin wished Phii Oat’s friends could see him now. The once fierce cheer leader was now looking pitiful, sad, and weak, not at all like himself. But why...why was Shin smiling even wider than before?
Even if it were Dear, whom Phii Oat once liked, he would never see such a face.
A man who would allow only him to see this side of him.
“Goodnight, Phii Oat.” With that, Shin pulled the phone to kiss the screen before hanging up, ready to contact other family members to confirm he was okay...A message came in.
...Thank you for calling to tell me...but at that moment.
A short message from someone in Thailand that made him smile broadly, tapping his phone softly against his palm, realizing he might have to change, to tell where he's going, what he's doing, and with whom, to the people back in Thailand.
“Heh, fine, I'll let you, Phii Oat. If it's you...I'll give in.”
But when he gets back to Thailand, he'll have to tease him about the tears...truly out of character.
After the earthquake ended with no casualties, as reported by the Japanese authorities, weeks passed. The concerns of the Thai man began to lessen...though initially, he checked the news every hour, worried there would be a tsunami or some other incident. As time passed, life returned to normal, waking up for work, coming home in the evening, sometimes going out with friends, and on weekends, he'd visit home so his parents wouldn't miss him...like today.
…
“Oat, there's a package here, probably from Shin, addressed in English.”
“Where is it, mom?”
The tall young man in home clothes walked from the kitchen door, glass in hand, but Oat put everything down when he saw the large package his mother was holding.
“It's not heavy, Mom.”
“No, it's lighter than anything else.” The tall figure took the box and found it was indeed light.
Shin had sent items from Japan many times before; sometimes it was kitchenware that his mother wanted, sometimes ready-to-eat food, or even souvenirs from his travels. But he always called beforehand. This time, however, he didn't, until Oat went to get a cutter to open the box with his mother watching with interest.
“What did Shin send this time?”
“I don't know either. He didn't say anything to me beforehand.”
The son carefully cut open the sturdy box, well-packaged enough to be familiar with Thai postal services, only to find three more boxes inside. Each box had Thai script indicating for whom it was intended. For example, the long box wrapped in beautiful Japanese paper which the mother was now picking up to examine, because...
“Is this for me, or I don't remember asking Shin to buy something?”
That box had a note over the Japanese paper saying...“For Mom.”
“Mom, try opening it.” Oat handed the cutter to his mother, who carefully cut through the beautiful paper, and upon opening it:
“Makeup brushes!”
The son leaned over to look, seeing various sizes of makeup brushes, which he knew nothing about, what was for what, but his mother seemed very pleased, as she was running her fingers over the bristles and said happily,
“These must be the handmade brushes I mentioned to Shin.”
“What's that?”
“Well, son, last time when Shin was at my house, there was this Japanese show about makeup brushes famous worldwide. They said each one was handmade. I jokingly told Shin if he ever went there for studies and saw them, to buy some for me, thinking they'd be expensive to import. I never thought Shin would remember. Oat, ask Shin how much it was, I'll send him the money back.” The speaker seemed delighted with her son's junior, starting to play with the brushes on her hand, eager to try them out right now.
“He won't take the money back, Mom. As if he'd take money from me.”
However, the tall figure shook his head, confident that the person in Japan wouldn't accept a refund; they sent items, each one labeled as a gift, not as a purchase on behalf. This led Oat to turn his attention to the remaining two boxes, one of which was labeled...“For Dear.”
Of course, the reader immediately grabbed the phone to call the person in Japan.
[The items have arrived.]
That man knew already.
“Uh, they just arrived. What's in Dear's box, Shin?” Oat lifted it and shook it gently, noticing that whatever was inside could move and felt oddly light.
[A doll, Tsum Tsum for Alice, there's a new model out so I got it for my niece, and a little something for Dear.]
“Playing tricks again, are you?”
[Heh heh, it's not nice to accuse me like that.]
Someone here was shaking his head because he was not accusing Shin, but whenever Shin sends something, there's always some childish teasing.
“But you know, the more you tease Dear, the cuter he acts.”
[Phii Oat, you're married now, remember?]
Thud.
The head-hazer went silent immediately, glanced at his phone, then looked around to ensure there were no cameras watching him. How did the other party know what he was thinking? But Oat wasn't one to make excuses. He said what he thought:
“I just feel fond of him like a brother. He's cute when you guys tease him.”
The feelings he had for Dear were truly just that, as the listener laughed but didn't reply whether they believed him or not, giving him an eerie feeling, making him turn to look at the other box addressed to him.
“And what did you send me?”
[Changing the subject? Okay, no problem. If you get any ideas about Dear, Porsche might punch you in the eye, just saying.]
The mixed-race seemed to enjoy riling him up, leaving Oat to sigh, holding the phone with his shoulder as he opened the box addressed to himself.
[As for yours...I don't know, it was sent from home for you.]
Guk
This event was silent, the sharp-eyed man stared at an ordinary-looking box that could be seen anywhere, but he started to suspect that what's inside might be a time bomb, wondering if it was even worth opening. But...well, this house is full of mischief, because there was also a message left for him:
[Oh, my brother said that if someone gives you something, you must accept it, it's manners, you know?]
Sigh, can't even hate that Japanese man properly. So, you'll just accept your fate, Oat.
The thoughts of a man slowly unwrapping as if it were a small bomb, and when the lid opened:
“...”
[Heh heh, do you like it?]
Damn it, this family really is all the same!
The tall man wanted to curse loudly, when the voice on the other end was stifling laughter, meaning he must have known what was inside the box...natto, not just a small box, enough for one meal, and here they come in four packs.
“What's this, Oat, is this natto or some stretchy beans, huh?” His mother leaned in to look and asked curiously.
“Do you like it because my brother sent a big box?”
What could he do but grit his teeth?
“I like it, Mom, I really like it...I really like it, Shin, please tell Akira for me.”
[Ha ha ha ha ha!]
Just like that, the person on the other end burst into laughter without any restraint. Not sure what to do with just his expression as he forced himself to swallow them down. Actually, he wanted to send fermented fish back to his cousin’s boyfriend, but feared it would be intercepted at the airport. Plus, if he actually sent it, who knows what would come next, so he could only sigh.
“Okay, tell your brother I surrender.”
[He already knew he wouldn't win. Don't struggle so much, my brother finds it even more fun to tease you.]
Oat wanted to say he wasn't struggling at all, not even a bit, but the other side still intentionally left him in a bind. Whatever, consider it as souvenirs to distribute among friends, there must be someone who likes natto. So, the deep voice said with a weary tone:
The lifestyle where my friend, [my friend is really bad, huh] asked...if I studied hard just to end up raising kids, right?
…
Today as well, once little Alice finished her lunch prepared by him, Dear got ready, packed her bag along with the car keys to drop her off at her tutoring class...And as for the other father? He's working, what else can you ask?
Who says executives have it easy? Look at my husband; he leaves early in the morning and comes back late at night, sometimes even works on weekends.
The exhaustion that Dear decided he would take on by raising the child himself...even though friends might say, oh...you've chosen the easy path, having a husband to support you from the first year until graduation!
Damn, I don't want to say it, but raising a kid is harder than your jobs, you know.
Thoughts of a slender young man, with a clear face, beautiful skin, red lips, watching the little girl under seven years old who ran over to cling to his arm, lifting her face to show emerald green eyes indicating some Western blood.
Alice, who lost her Swiss father when she was just a baby, and her Thai mother, a distant relative of Phii Porsche, several years ago, until both of them adopted this adorable little girl. And now, he's no longer Phii Dear. Because the little one calls him “Daddy” loud and clear.
Proud, you know, I raised her with my own hands.
The former Phii Dear puffed out his chest, looking at the sweet-faced girl. No, actually, she's showing signs of beauty from childhood, with the prominent black eyes of Asians yet with those rare beautiful colored eyes that beat genetics, her long black hair down to her mid-back, and a face so sweet and lovely, sharp eyes, a high nose, cute colored lips, and skin as white as snow. She's now wearing a bright blue dress, making him even more protective.
“Should I grow a mustache later, dear?”
“Ugh, Daddy says no way, you don't even have leg hair, what would you grow a mustache with?”
My kid has a comeback!
The thoughts of someone pouting childishly, but the little girl shakes his arm, speaking like a responsible child:
“Daddy, we'll be late. You can make up to me when we get back, okay?”
“Yeah, now you're not taking Daddy's side anymore.” The adult, only in age, says, likely still pouting. This childish behavior would probably continue all the way to the music school. If it weren't for the quick-footed worker coming in first,
“Nong Dear, you have a visitor.”
“Oh...who is it?” The eldest son-in-law asks curiously, before heading towards the living room, certain that no one was scheduled for today. Upon seeing the face...
“Oh. Phii Oat, hello, how did you get here?”
The handsome senior standing there, holding a box with one hand.
“Hello, Phii Oat.” The little girl who followed quickly gives a respectful wai, looking up at the tall figure who returns the gesture, informing the homeowner.
“Shin sent something for you, Dear.”
“Hey, Phii Oat, next time you don't have to trouble yourself to bring it. Just call, and I'll come get it one day.” The smaller person says, feeling apologetic, while taking the box, shaking it curiously, wondering what that handsome guy sent, as the delivery guy gives a slight smile.
“It's no trouble, I was passing by your house before heading back to my condo.”
Oat watches the person now pressing his ear to the box, suspicious of the contents just like he was. The cute face is still as endearing as before, but something has changed. The heart that once beat fast for this junior now only feels a tender affection, like seeing a small puppy that you just want to ruffle its head.
Suddenly, someone's hand grabs his shirt hem and tugs.
“Yes, Alice.”
The little girl says with a clear voice, shaking her head.
“You can't, Phii Oat, Daddy Porsche is the jealous type.”
Thud.
Even the kid is suspicious of me now?
Oat thinks that it was probably Porsche who told his daughter to be cautious of Uncle Oat, because Oat once had an issue with Phii Porsche before. That one clearly showed that Dear belonged to someone. Therefore, the tall figure bent down, lowering his knee so his face was level with the little girl, gently shook her head, and said in a kind voice:
“Don't worry, Alice, I only have Phii Shin.”
The little girl smiled broadly and nodded vigorously.
“Uh-huh.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Oh, in that box, Shin said there's a doll, what was it? I forgot something small, and it can be arranged. Shin said he brought it for you, Alice.”
At that moment, the little girl's eyes widened and sparkled, but she still didn't forget to raise her hands in a wai, thanking Phii Oat in the coolest way.
“Thank you, Phii Oat, thank you.”
“Go thank Shin, I'm just the delivery guy.” The big man said, as the little girl nodded vigorously, took the large box herself, and ran to ask the house staff to help unwrap the tightly packed box, leaving only the guest and the father who were smiling fondly.
“Thanks, Phii, I'll call and thank Shin later.”
“He's been busy lately. If you're going to call, do it late at night.”
“Yes, khrap.”
The listener raised his hand in a crisp salute. He didn't look much different from when he was eighteen or nineteen, but in a blink, he now had a daughter over seven years old.
“Phii Oat, you've come a long way, have some water first, what would you like?”
“Anything will do.”
The young man answered, while his eyes stopped at the family photo prominently displayed in the living room.
The picture showed the parents of Porsche sitting in the middle, with their eldest son standing beside them, and Dear standing close by, on the other side was a man with a rugged look, probably the youngest son, and in the center, sitting on the laps of both adults, was a sweet-faced little girl who was smiling shyly.
The picture that says this family accepts the relationship of their eldest son with this small guy, and that made him ask:
“How did you tell your family that you are dating Phii Porsche?”
The listener smiled wryly, “More like getting caught, the bomb dropped in the middle of the house...I almost broke up with Phii Porsche because of it.”
...Now it was Oat's turn to be silent, because he couldn't imagine how it would go if he told his family, but he hoped his family could accept it like Shin's family accepted him for who he is.
However...
“But now I'm happier than thinking about that time, Phii Oat...when my dad finally understood, it was like, relief, such a relief, feeling like, that's enough...don't need anything more than this...just their understanding is enough...who cares what anyone else says.” Dear continued, his large round eyes shining with happiness, and that made Oat look at that picture frame again.
“Yeah, you're right.”
“Oh. Phii Oat, you haven't told your family yet? I thought they knew for a long time.”
“I have never told them directly.”
The smaller guy smiled wryly, “So, good luck, Phii, but with Shin, he should handle it.”
He hoped it would be like that.
“Daddy.”
But before they could finish talking, the little girl who had gone to unwrap gifts came back in, holding something, making Daddy Dear turn to look.
“Phii Shin left a note saying to give this to you, Daddy.”
Thud.
Oat furrowed his brow instantly, watching his junior who was about to receive whatever the little girl was handing over. No, he was already suspicious of his boyfriend, but he thought he could predict what would happen in the next minute.
“What's this?”
While Dear exclaimed excitedly, reaching out to take the item, and as soon as it fell into his hand...
“Argh, get it out! Get it outtttttt!!!!”
Dranpat screamed loudly, flailing his hands wildly as if scalded by hot water, causing the 'souvenir to Dear' to fly and hit the wall, revealing clearly to Oat's eyes...a fake cockroach. The creature that Dear hated the most.
So, his scream echoed through the house. Meanwhile, the screamer had already run up onto the sofa.
“I hate you, Shin, I hate youuuu, you bastard!!!!”
This time, Oat didn't know whether to feel annoyed or to laugh, because honestly, he couldn't really share in his boyfriend's humor.
Chapter 11: Shin-san is Back
The moment he returned to Thailand was the moment he felt...
“Hot as hell!”
Mister Channon had just stepped out from the jet bridge connected to the airplane, to be hit by the authentic Thai heat, making the young man turn to look out the side window, seeing the glaring sunlight that stung his eyes, devoid of any coldness. He slightly bowed his sharp face to look through his branded sunglasses.
“But I missed it.”
Many said Shin was heartless for not setting foot back in Thailand for over two years, but it wasn't because he was enamored with the new environment [having lived in Japan half his life, what was there to be enamored with?] but because he wanted to finish his studies in one go, handle everything and then return fully saying...I'm back.
A return that meant he wouldn't go away for so long again.
Therefore, Shin rejected every offer from his family to return to Thailand for a while because he was busy with his research, wanting to finish it as soon as possible. And now. He was back...back, to the land he loved no less than the other half of his blood, a place full of people he loved.
Thud
Then, he casually took off the jacket he wore on the plane and draped it over his shoulder, revealing a dark tank top underneath and light, ripped jeans. His long legs carried him towards the immigration checkpoint, amidst the unavoidable glances from both Thai and foreign women.
“He's handsome, dude. Is he Thai?”
“I don't know. Probably not, maybe Korean?”
Shin smirked, listening to the two Thai girls whispering behind him...just walking, leading quietly, then turning into the lane for...a Thai passport check.
He then turned to look at the two girls, who were clearly astonished, and took off his sunglasses.
“I'm Thai.”
His handsome face broke into a slight smile, making those following him blush intensely. Of course, with a face like this, a smile like this, dressed like this, it's to die for!
“He's so hot.”
The tall man chuckled under his breath. He didn't thank them or deny it...just walked into the passport control lane, then went out to pick up his single suitcase, since most of his stuff had either been sent back home to Kyoto or ahead to Thailand. All that was left were gifts for family, friends, oh, and one more for his boyfriend, all packed tightly into the large suitcase.
Once he got his suitcase, the man who had become the center of attention dragged it towards the exit, to meet...
“Shin-san! Shin, Shinnnnnn!!!”
No need to see the face; I could guess who it was.
The mixed-race young man chuckled in his throat, as soon as he stepped out of the door...someone was already jumping up and down, waving enthusiastically, waiting for him with joy...Dear.
“Hey, Shin-san. Don't act cool, you've got girls falling left and right.”
And the one who spoke with a teasing tone beside him, that was none other than...Sun.
His two close friends insisted they'd come to pick him up as soon as he told them his return schedule, as he walked his suitcase over to them.
“Are you guys really that free...to come pick me up?” Shin said jokingly, looking at his two close friends who hadn't changed at all from two years ago. No, actually, Dear seemed even younger when Sun dressed more formally. He looked more mature, and the class president's question made him laugh loudly.
“Nah, I'm here to pick up souvenirs. Not you.”
“But I didn't buy you any souvenirs, man.”
“Shin-chan, come on, Shin-chan, I know you're not that harsh on a good friend like me...Welcome back home, man.” Sun said with a laugh. He raised his fist in front of him, and Shin responded by touching his fist to it, their way of greeting each other, until the shortest one started to join in.
“I'm in too.”
“No way, man.” The mixed-race guy shook his head, his sharp eyes gleaming, then...“You're short, I don't want to bend down.”
Thud.
“Hahaha, oh, this is my friend, Shin-chan is back!...What's up, shorty?” Sun then bent down to look at his small friend who was clenching both fists, and he cursed:
“Fuck off!”
Dear had to 'fuck off' too. No way, cursing like this, who would feel hurt?
The thought made Shin put his hand on his friend's head and said with a laugh,
“You're also Shin, time for you to get teased a bit.”
“I'm not like you guys, old but still teasing me.”
“How many months older am I than you, shorty?” Sun retorted, but he still patted the small friend's head to soothe him, until the shortest one in the group hung his head, knowing well that whenever they gathered, he'd always get picked on. He then looked left and right, asking uncertainty,
“Hey, where's Phii Oat?”
“Why does it have to be Phii Oat?”
“Well. He's your boyfriend.”
“How would I know? We're not joined at the hip.” Shin said, laughing dismissively, while he shrugged off his jacket and placed it on his luggage, his sharp eyes scanning around, realizing that the other party indeed wasn't there, nodding slightly, willing to explain a bit more.
“Should've worked, I told you that you didn't have to pick me up, we'll meet after this anyway.”
“Wow, but his boyfriend's back after all.”
“Who would be like you, Dear, your Phii Porsche, everytime he is going abroad you would be bringing the kid to pick him up every time. Seriously, do you come to Suvarnabhumi Airport once a month?” Dear didn't reply, which meant Sun's questions were all correct. So, he awkwardly came to help push the luggage, talking while doing so.
“It's not the same, Shin-chan was gone for two years, man. If it were me, I'd rush in for a hug.”
“Well, that's you.” Shin replied, then turned to high-five another buddy who made the smaller friend grit his teeth.
“So, what now, are we heading home directly? I drove here today, I'll drop you off first, then drop Dear, his husband is possessive, keeping his wife for too long, makes his spine tingle.” Sun asked while taking over the luggage cart from his friend, even though he liked to tease, he was the one who took care of his friends better than anyone.
There had been times when people misunderstood that the two of them were more than just friends. If only Dear didn't have a real partner. Plus, Sun's boyfriend was Dear's senior.
“Yeah, let's stop by my place for a meal first.”
“Let's go!!!”
“Shin hasn't even asked yet, he was asking me.” Suddenly, the person listening from the ground floor interjected, raising his hand high, demanding attention, making the two tall guys look down, and then Sun asked teasingly, causing the young one to shout back.
“Oh, so are you going to leave me here or what?”
“If you can't keep up, then yeah, we'll leave you.”
All this just to tease me about my short legs.
Dear chuckled, watching the two who, when together here, saw him as something to tease for stress relief, until he had to break into a wide smile, uttering just one word...
“I'll tell Phii Riu!”
The declaration made Sun turn around immediately, and the handsome faculty moon who was just teasing non-stop stood straight, pretended to tip his hat, and bowed with a mock-serious gesture.
“I don't mess with heights, I'll send you straight to the top step of your house, you know.”
The demeanor of the two as Shin smirked, because this was it...he was back.
No matter how much they grew, how many years older they got, Shin still felt that these two were the same...good friends, not easily found anywhere.
“Shin!!!”
But suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted, and Shin turned towards the calling voice, already knowing who it was before even looking, and indeed...it was the big guy rushing over, sweating profusely, who had shouted for him before following his two friends to the parking lot...Phii Oat.
The big senior who ran and stopped in front of him.
“Just in time...phew...that I made it.”
“I told you, Phii, if you couldn't come, it's okay.”
Channon looked at the person standing heavily panting in front of him, feeling good inside...
While Oat immediately responded,
“When my boyfriend comes back...how could I not come?”
At first, when the three stood together, other passengers were already glancing at this group. But once the word 'boyfriend' from the newcomer was uttered...everyone turned to look in unison.
But would Shin be embarrassed? He just smiled...a wide smile, and then...
Thud.
“What?”
With both arms outstretched, the older one furrowed his brows, asking in confusion, until he met the handsome, mischievous face that raised one eyebrow.
“Dear wants to see a picture of me and you hugging, how about it?”
The listener paused for a moment, looked into his eyes, and then...broke into a smile.
Hug.
Suddenly, the hot temperature from the person who ran until he was out of breath collided with his body, along with a strong embrace tightening around him, and the well-shaped head resting on his shoulder. Shin also tightened his wide-open arms around the sweaty back, his nose catching the scent that had been absent for years.
A familiar scent, and a touch his body remembered.
Then, Shin whispered what he had been reciting the whole time on the plane...
“I'm back, Phii Oat.”
A short phrase, but it made the listener understand why the Japanese have a word for coming home, because it feels this good...important people coming back to each other.
“Thank you for coming back.” And Oat could only reply with this, while hugging tightly, feeling a body as strong as his own. Not soft or cuddly, not sweetly scented, but somehow, it was the best feeling in the world, before Shin patted his shoulder a couple of times.
“Aren't you embarrassed, Phii?”
“I don't care.”
Of course, the mixed-race young man was also smiling broadly, and then...he extended his smile to the two girls who had just walked out of the door.
This time, they were left with their mouths agape, thinking in unison...what a waste!
Because the man hugging the handsome, muscular young man in the tank top was equally impressive!
The demeanor of both made Dear blush slightly, then he whispered to the person standing next to him.
“I'm embarrassed for them, man.”
“Embarrassed about what...Did you lose to these two or what?” Sun still had the nerve to tease back, only to receive a snarl in response, but he continued.
“Yeah, but don't even think about it. If you joined in, you'd probably die, you couldn't handle this size.”
“Hey, don't underestimate! Phii Porsche is also jumbo-sized...oops.” The annoyed one slipped up, then quickly covered his mouth, but it was too late. Too late to dodge the teasing from his friend who widened his eyes in mock surprise.
“Oh, my friend, how lewd, even boasting about it.”
“Damn you, Sun!”
“What's that, shorty?”
“Arghhhhh.” The two friends started arguing again, which made Oat finally pull away from the longed-for embrace.
“Thank you for waiting.” Letting their eyes meet, and then Shin spoke.
The words made Oat smile with both his mouth and eyes.
No more words were needed...for them, this was enough.
“Hey, Sun, stop teasing him already. Let's go...we need to get the souvenirs.”
“Okay, okay, I'll stop, Dear, enough, I won't tease anymore.” As soon as he finished speaking, Sun turned around, looking with gleaming eyes, making the shorter one narrow his eyes in suspicion, asking curiously.
“Why are you so excited about souvenirs?”
A question that made the listener smirk, his face turning mischievous instantly.
“Believe me, you don't want to know.” Dear didn't press further, knowing only that...he felt sorry for his senior, having someone like this around.
Now, the two close friends were walking ahead. Neither noticed that the two behind them...their hands were touching. Not holding hands, just fingertips brushing...merely the backs of their hands touching.
A touch more expressive than any words, signaling...Shin is back!
The night sky over Bangkok was like a black canvas devoid of light, stars; only the occasional twinkling lights of airplanes passing by. And now, at the balcony of the bedroom of Shin's only son, who was wearing just a pair of jeans, leaning against the balcony rail, looking at the garden he hadn't seen in over two years.
Sometimes, someone like him...missed it almost to death.
The mixed-race young man missed this house, his parents, friends, and someone who asked to shower first, now stepping out onto the balcony.
“What are you doing, Shin?”
“Don't know.” A non-answer, but Oat didn't ask more, understanding there are moments when one wants to think quietly. He leaned against the wall, changing the subject.
“Your mom seemed really happy you're back.”
“Heh, she's happier that everyone came over for dinner.”
A particularly lively dinner at home. Not just because the only son returned, but because friends and his boyfriend joined in to eat the celebratory meal, making the conversation loud all around. Moreover, it seemed his mom was completely taken by Sun...he was so charming, annoyingly so.
'I'm the type who loves to be doted on by adults.'
Or did he not know that other adults want to be doted on, but some adults...they want to look after him.
“It must be lively...I'm not the loud type like Sun either.”
“Are you saying you can't beat Sun?” Shin retorted, turning to look at the person leaning against the wall beside him. As he leaned against the balcony railing, he saw the other person's face acknowledging the inability to approach the elders in a way that the junior could not, shaking his head slowly.
“My mom loves you a lot more than she loves Sun.”
“Hmm.”
Shin turned back, gripping the balcony railing with both hands, exposing his bare torso clad only in jeans, looking into the sharp eyes, then stated clearly,
“Because mom knows I love you.” Short, simple, the way Channon confessed love that left the listener stunned, “Are you...confessing to me?”
“What do you think?” the young man said with a laugh. As he leaned back, tilting his face up to look at the sky, he inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with the air of Thailand, then...
“Whoooooo!”
“Hey! Shin.”
Suddenly, Shin shouted out loud, not caring if he disturbed the neighbors or that Phii Oat looked shocked. He just wanted to shout loudly to express how relieved he felt, then laughed heartily, lowering his head to meet the eyes of the person standing not far away, his smile charming, his voice pleasant,
“Missed this like crazy, missed everything so much, even missed my house door...I'm back!!!” At the end of his sentence, he shouted again, extremely satisfied to finally say it out loud, prompting the listener to ask back,
“If you miss it...you're not going back, right?”
“Nope.”
“...”
Heh. Phii Oat went completely silent.
“You won't let me go back to visit my grandparents at all then? That's sad, I'll still have to go back, but this time maybe just for...” He noticed Phii Oat holding his breath, deciding not to tease any further, “A week or two should do...I'm afraid you'll die of loneliness.” He finished, raising his eyebrows confidently.
But this time, Oat didn't scold; his voice wasn't stern...he just sighed heavily.
“If you know, then it's good that I almost died missing you.”
Then, the older man moved to lean against the balcony railing together, but without words, despite there being so much they wanted to talk about, to share, to tell each other during the time they hadn't met. But in reality, they just stood there, smiling silently. The feeling was different as they looked up at a sky not at all different from Tokyo's, but...
Looking at the sky alone versus having someone by your side...it's a world of difference.
Now, many feelings flowed into his heart, but above all else, it was probably the relief that his loved one was standing beside him again. How much time passed, he didn't know, he only knew that Shin was smiling broadly, with only their shoulders touching.
And then suddenly, Oat broke the silence.
“I...will tell my parents about us.”
The statement didn't surprise the listener at all. Shin just glanced over and asked simply,
“Have you decided? There will be drama, you know.”
“If there is, we'll just get through it together.” Those short words made Shin stop smiling, “If you say so.” He replied just that, but didn't say when he would tell them, yet it was enough for the listener who was about to reveal himself to those closest to him. But for now, it wasn't the time, because Oat turned to look at the person standing next to him, reaching out to touch the hair that had turned jet black once again.
“It's been a while since you last saw me with this hair color, which do you prefer?”
“Any style is good as long as it's you.”
“Ugh, where did you learn to talk like that these past two years?” Shin laughed, but no, he didn't mind the other playing with his hair, but the listener looked serious, pulling his hand away from the dark hair.
“I just speak what I think.”
The older, bigger man seemed to be sulking now.
“Heh, are you sulking, old man?”
“I'm not...never mind, you should go take a shower.” The sulker shook his head, then pushed the younger's shoulder to guide him into the room, which Shin did not resist, willingly walking to the bathroom, but still called out with a chuckle from inside the bathroom,
“Don't go to sleep yet, I'll come out to appease you.”
When someone was sulking, he shook his head, but he didn't quite refuse, because if Shin is going to apologize, they would have to allow themselves to be sulked at. This thought made Oat look around the room, and strangely, even though it was the same bedroom where he stayed during the earthquake, somehow, just having someone else in the room changed the feeling entirely, making his lips curl into an attractive smile. He sat down at the edge of the bed, looking at the nano-block superbike model that had somehow returned to its original spot.
“Thank you for coming back to me.”
“Thank you for being the hero in my music video.”
Suddenly, the person who should have been in the shower was standing at the doorway, smirking mockingly, causing Oat to frown.
The big bear blushed deeply again.
“Don't be shy, we've been through this before.” said the one who had been through it before, swinging his towel as he went back into the bathroom, laughing loudly. This left the one who played the hero in the music video wanting to facepalm, but he didn't, because maybe he wasn't imagining things. Today, Shin...laughed more than any other day.
So, if Shin was happy...then so be it.
…
“Hey. Phii Oat, wake up, wake up, you're late.”
“Huh! Late for what, Shin? I took the day off today.”
On the large bed, the big man had just jolted awake from the voice of the room's owner, his voice groggy. He remembered clearly that he took the day off specifically to be with his lover. Therefore, there was no rush to get up for breakfast today, but...
“What's up? Did you forget we have an appointment?”
“An appointment? What appointment? And what's with your outfit?”
The newly awakened man sat up and saw that Shin was already fully dressed...wearing dark jeans, but on top, a light-colored shirt with a casual suit that looked semi-formal. His dark hair was neatly styled, enhancing his sharp features fully.
But...why dress like this?
The questioning Shin met with eye contact, then stated fully, “We have an appointment with your parents today.”
“Huh?!”
This time, Oat was confused, only able to watch the person who repeated that he could get up now. Before walking away downstairs, utterly clueless about what had just happened.
When it comes to showing up, he's as quick as lighting, and when it's time to leave, it's like a hurricane.
The thoughts of the person who got up, showered, dressed, came down for breakfast, and got into Shin's BMW to leave the house in confusion, only understanding what happened when he arrived in front of his own house. Oat finally realized what was going on.
“Well, you said you wanted to tell our parents about us.”
“Hey, wait, isn't this too fast?”
Who could be prepared for this...Yesterday he agreed, and today he tells them!!!
The disapproving look as the person beside him furrowed his brows, then retorted,
“What difference does it make if it's sooner or later? We have to tell them anyway, and I'm not one to procrastinate...Besides, I already hinted to your mom when I called to set up this morning.”
Hinted? Hinted what?!
This time, Oat could only rush out of the car, following his boyfriend into his own house, his mind racing with thoughts about what the other might have said to his family. However, there were no sounds of scolding or anger because, as the other said, it was true. If you're going to tell, sooner or later it doesn't matter, and it seemed his parents already knew what was happening.
His parents turned to look at him with a more serious expression than usual.
“Hello, Dad, hello, Mom...I'm back from Japan.”
Both raised their hands in greeting, then were as stunned as he was, because...
Hug
Shin reached out to hold his hand without hesitation, leading Oat's mom to speak first, “I thought, I can guess what you two were going to talk about. Actually...we've...known for a while now.”
Just as he thought, his parents already knew.
Oat almost smiled. He was about to say something. If not for the person beside him, who tugged at his hand first, then gave a serious smile to the elders, his deep, pleasant voice spoke out,
“It's not just that, today I'm here to ask for permission.”
“Permission for what, son? If it's about dating...we...sort of know.”
Of course, the listener was confused. Just like Oat himself, who couldn't quite grasp the situation, unsure of what the other party was getting at.
Sigh!
At that moment, the former head-hazer felt a shiver because the eyes that briefly glanced at him had a wicked smile. Then, Shin uttered a sentence that almost made Mister Arthit faint on the spot.
“I've come to ask for Phii Oat’s hand in marriage from his parents...please give Phii Oat to me.”
“Hey!!!”
As soon as the words ended, the one being asked for shouted out loud. Not because he was being asked for, but...
Shouldn't I be the one saying that line?
“Oat, my child...I've always known, but I thought about your status with Shin...oh my, you're all grown up. Oh, I might faint.”
While his mother exclaimed in disbelief, she scanned him from head to toe. But the son was even more stunned because...it seemed like the big bear had been transformed into a stuffed teddy bear!